By Warren H. Waters
Finding affordable accommodation has seldom been as tough as it is today, with new rental units being added at only two-thirds the rate of our population growth. This vital topic of affordable housing will be featured at the Lowertown Community Association’s next meeting, at 7 pm on November 18 at the Routhier Community Centre. ). The city’s Director of Housing, Shelley Van Buskirk is presenting recommendations for refreshing the City’s 10-year Plan to End Homelessness.
We all know about many housing problems in our neighbourhood, but to inspire those attending I asked a dozen people in the sector, “Who does the most for affordable housing in Lowertown?” Shepherds of Good Hope got the most votes, and for one simple reason: they actually build affordable housing with 24/7 support for residents. In addition to their emergency shelter, Shepherds of Good Hope provides rent-geared-to-income supportive housing for adults of all genders who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, specializing in those who struggle with trauma, mental health challenges and addictions.
Shepherds currently houses 183 individuals in three programs across the city, including 35 units in Lowertown. According to Stephen Bartolo, Vice President, Shepherds of Good Hope:
By this time next year, we plan to bring that total up to 225 individuals, with our new building on Montreal Road at Lang’s Road. From the moment of crisis to a permanent home, Shepherds of Good Hope plans to be a part of the solution to providing innovative housing for our city’s most vulnerable. –.
You can find more on their supportive housing programs at: https://www.sghottawa.com/supportive-housing/
To be fair, every shelter has case managers working hard with all their clients to house them as soon as possible. The Ottawa Mission also has a mixed-income apartment with 13 residents from their Mission programs. And Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) provides over 1,363 low income units, the vast majority of Lowertown’s affordable housing. But OCH, like all housing providers, has only seen their waitlist grow longer and longer.
The Community Association hopes you come out November 18 to learn how our city plans to tackle the root causes of homelessness, and to contribute your solutions.